In response to new developments in the global COVID-19 epidemic and the circulation of Omicron XEC vaccine - a vaccine that has been classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a monitoring group, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health quickly held a meeting with experts, hospitals and related units on May 20, 2025 to agree on appropriate response measures.
XEC variation is not new, has been recorded since June 2024 in the world and is currently appearing in many countries. Although classified as low-risk, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health still recommends that units should not be subjective and proactively implement measures to prevent, control and treat COVID-19 patients, especially those at high risk of serious illness.
The Department of Health requires the City Center for Disease Control (HCDC) to be a unit to monitor and supervise epidemics in the community and medical facilities; take samples for testing to detect variants; forecast risks and coordinate with specialized institutes and media agencies to increase propaganda. In particular, it is necessary to ensure medical supplies, equipment and professional training in accordance with the instructions of the Ministry of Health.
Public and non-public hospitals are directed to update admission and treatment plans; prepare drugs, biological products, human resources and necessary materials; strengthen infection prevention in hospitals, especially in areas that care for people with underlying diseases, the elderly, pregnant women, etc. At the same time, facilities need to fully comply with the disease reporting and declaration regime according to current regulations and update patient information on the city's digital platform.
The Health Departments of districts, towns and Thu Duc City, in coordination with local health centers, are responsible for advising on the implementation of epidemic prevention according to the direction of the Department of Health and the Ministry of Health; promoting communication, training on disease monitoring and investigation, and strictly implementing the epidemic reporting regime.
The Department of Health emphasized that the units need to urgently organize the implementation of the above contents, promptly report difficulties on the medical department for support. This is an effort to maintain sustainable control of Covid-19 epidemic in accordance with the direction of the People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City for the period 2023-2025.
